--- title: "Thyme: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Thyme tea is traditionally used for chesty (productive) cough that comes with a cold. The EMA assessment covers Thymus species." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/thyme/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Thyme Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis T Traditional use Thyme tea is traditionally used for chesty (productive) cough that comes with a cold. The EMA assessment covers Thymus species. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## At a glance The EMA classes the aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris and Thymus zygis as a traditional herbal medicine for productive cough. Origanum and Thymbra species, often sold as "kekik" in Turkey, are outside this assessment. **Parts used:** aerial-parts **Key constituents:** Carvacrol & Thymol Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used for productive cough associated with a cold. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of dried thyme. **Amount:** 3–4 times daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 12 years - See a doctor if you get shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm. - The tea is not recommended for children under 12. - Do not use if you are allergic to the mint family (Lamiaceae). - Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown. \[1\] ### Drug interactions No recorded interactions ### Side effects - Stomach complaints (frequency unknown) #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? The EMA assesses Thymus vulgaris and T. zygis; "kekik" sold in Turkish markets is often a different species. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Is thyme tea good for cough? The EMA accepts thyme (Thymus species) as a traditional remedy for productive cough with a cold. Is the "kekik" sold in Turkish markets the same thyme? Not always. Turkish "kekik" is often Origanum or Thymbra. The EMA assessment covers Thymus vulgaris and T. zygis. How do I make thyme tea? Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of dried thyme. Drink 3–4 times a day. Can children drink thyme tea? As a tea it is not recommended for children under 12. ## Sources 1. [Community herbal monograph on Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis L., herba](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-thymus-vulgaris-l-and-thymus-zygis-l-herba_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2013 ### Cite This Page Thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/thyme/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Same Name, Different Plants](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/same-name-different-plants/) - [Thyme Tea or Thyme Essential Oil?](https://herbadex.com/en/compare/thyme-vs-thyme-oil/) ## Related plant and preparations [Thyme Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/thyme-oil/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. 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[Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.